.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe most common formulas are Kaytee Exact Hand Rearing Formula and Nutribird A21. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nRead the instructions before you start preparation. Here we have some tips to prepare a hand-driven formula for squabs.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n- Take lukewarm water (not hot) and mix the needed amount of formula at starting.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Increase the thickness after a few weeks so that the chick can take the best out of it.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- The usual advice for a newborn is to use one part formula in 5-6 part water. Gradually increase the amount with days.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Don’t use milk as we use for our babies.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- If you do not have formulas, use either the MAC milk made by mixing some common ingredients or infant cereals.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Warm the paste if needed. Never overheat the food before serving baby pigeons; it can severely burn the crop.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Besides formula, fledglings can eat soft grains and seeds as well. Soak them thoroughly before using it to feed the baby pigeon.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/span>How often should you feed baby pigeons?<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nInfants usually sleep for 12 hours in a row. Don’t bother them at that time. After that, you can consider feeding baby pigeons in a two to three hours gap.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nYou must feed fledglings about 24 ccs of formulas two times per day. Gradually change the diet and practice feeding grains and seeds.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/span>How to know when to start and when to stop feeding baby pigeons?<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nExperts recommend that you should feed a pigeon or any other baby birds when they are hungry. Overfeeding a squab is dangerous. Thus, once you start supplying food, be aware.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nIf you are wondering how to know when the chick is starving? Then the simple answer is by monitoring its crop. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nFeel the crop, whether it is looking bulgy or filled. If it seems so, stop right there.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe crop of pigeons varies in size. So, no one can precisely say how much you should make them eat.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nFeed next when the crop becomes flat, or the baby will prey for food. Further, vets advise feeding babies after complete digest- when you feel the crop flatter. If you observe a fuller crop for a few days, consult the veterinarian as soon as possible.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/span>How to Feed Baby Pigeons?<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nRight after knowing what to feed baby pigeons or squabs, now it is time to understand how to feed baby pigeons.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nAfter the hard work of breaking the eggshell, hatchlings need 12 hours of rest. This period is crucial for them. You should make a temporary nest for the baby pigeon in an empty shoebox. Use some tissue papers or newspapers to provide comfort.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nYou must keep the baby pigeon warm by holding a warm water heated pad or 40-watt bulb under the papers. Track the temperature through a thermometer to avoid overheating.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nFor feeding, you have to buy a syringe from a medical store. Remove the needle. Now, you can supply the formula paste to the crop of the baby pigeon through that syringe. Give fresh food every day and throw away the uneaten foods.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nIt is an excellent alternative for the natural feeding process of squabs. You should do this if the parents are not there. Otherwise, the chicks feed well by their parents’ crop milk.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nBaby pigeons have problems opening their beak. So, it would be best if you opened it a little bit to make them eat. Be aware of their nasal passage while feeding them. If it seems critical to you, take help from bird rehabbers near you.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nFledglings can also feed with this process. A few weeks older, baby pigeons should be eating seeds or grains straight from your hand.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nYou can nourish fledglings with soaked seeds or grains with water. A smooth paste of grains or seeds with some boiled egg yolk also works great for the baby’s growth. Increase the size of the syringe as the bird grows up.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nYou can also use a plastic bag with a cut at the corner like a cream pouch for substituting a syringe. You need to squeeze the food into the crop of that squab.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nSupply clean water every day and seek a vet for a new diet regularly. As they grow, you should practice them to wean by putting some grains at their cage floor.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/span>When should you release the squab?<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nAfter the nestling becomes a fledgling, you should keep it out of the cage for a few hours a day. The fledglings love to perch to a twig or stick. This exercise will help them to strengthen their wing muscles.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n